Library's response to Cultural Review

National Library of Scotland welcomes vision for 21st
century

Statement in response to Scottish Executive's Cultural
Review

The National Library of Scotland has welcomed the opportunity to
help shape how its services will fit into the Cultural Review
announced by the Scottish Executive.

Martyn Wade, the National Librarian said: 'This is an excellent
opportunity to map out a vision for the provision of all cultural
and related services for the people of Scotland for the foreseeable
future. It will allow all organisations to have their say and paint
a picture of how they envisage providing facilities over the coming
decades. We welcome the establishment of the Cultural Commission
and look forward to taking part in the Review.'

The National Library of Scotland is one of Scotland's oldest
institutions and has already started to put in place changes to the
way it is run. Greater access to the Library's wealth of
information is at the core of the Library's own strategy for change
along with the need to provide excellent service for all users of
its research and learning facilities.

The Chairman of the Library Trustees, Professor Michael Anderson
said: 'The National Library has developed a strategy to change the
way its services are used by the public in Scotland and access and
excellence are key to this strategy.

'Web use has increased five fold in recent years and it will be
an area we focus on even more in the future. It allows people not
just in Scotland but everybody with interests in all things
Scottish to access the plethora of information that we store. As
well as a knowledge institution dedicated to education and lifelong
learning, we support economic development and access to
culture.'

The NLS is currently seeking to secure the John Murray Archive
for the nation. This multi-million-pound treasure trove of writings
would be at the heart of the efforts to encourage greater use of
one of the country's great institutions.